Helpful Tips for the Vision ImpairedBy Deborah Kogler

Here are ten simple
tips to make living with low vision more
manageable.

1. Lighting

Increase
the amount of lighting directly over the task that you
are doing. Focus the light directly onto what you are
doing. LED lights, natural light and natural daylight
bulbs are recommended.
Do not use fluorescent lights as fluorescent
light causes glare.

2. Brushing teeth

Use
colored or striped toothpaste as these are easier to see
on the white bristles of a toothbrush. Or, simply squirt
the toothpaste directly into your mouth and brush!

3. Money
identification

By
feeling the edges of your coins, you will notice that
there are different edges on each coin. The dime and
quarter have a rough or serrated type edge, and the
penny and nickel have a smooth edge. For paper money, turn the paper bill so the back
of the bill is facing you. You will notice that the
number in the bottom right corner is the largest on the
bill. This is true for the $5, $10, $20 and $50 bills.

4. Reading the
numbers on your credit card

Place a
piece of paper over the credit card and then take a
pencil and color over the raised numbers of the credit
card. Be sure to also color the expiration date. Then
keep this in a safe place. When you need to give out your credit card
number, it will be easier to see.

5. Using a cell
phone

Many
cell phones today are voice activated and can be used by
voice commands. Have someone help you program yours to
use voice activation features.

6. Marking the dials on the stove

Use puff paint or tactile paint, available at
fabric stores, to mark key points on the dial. Or,
liquid Wite-Out can be used to mark black or dark
colored stove dials.

7. Marking items in the cupboard/pantry

When unpacking groceries, label them with extra
wide masking tape and black marking pen before
putting the items in the cupboards.

8. Matching socks

Pin socks together before placing in the laundry.
Use brass or stainless steel safety pins as they
will not rust.

9. Pouring liquids into a cup

Pour coffee into a white mug; the contrasting
color of the coffee and the mug will make it easier
to see how filled the cup is. Or place index finger
into the cup; you will feel when the liquid touches
your finger.

10. Writing made easier

Use a dark, bold point marker such as a 20/20
pen, or a bold tip gel pen (1.0 mm tip) and print.
Do not write in cursive as it is harder to see and
maintain a straight line.

Deborah Kogler is a dual
licensed optician and owner of Magnifiers & More in
Mentor, OH. She knew she wanted to make a difference
in the lives of those who were afflicted with vision
impairments. Several years ago, her grandmother lost
her sight due to a retinal detachment and macular
degeneration. The devastation and frustration of the
disease gave Deborah the desire and inspiration to
find out what could be done to help her grandmother
and those who also were afflicted with vision
impairments.